This week in Australian foreign affairs: Payne’s update on Cheng Lei, the ICC’s Palestine decision, the arrival of US Marines in Darwin, and more.

In May 2014, Thailand's generals decided, yet again, that their country's elected government was too much trouble. Dusting off their well-worn coup-making playbooks, they rolled the tanks into central Bangkok, secured the key installations required to claim authority, and implemented their familiar style of military rule.

Indonesia's new National Plan of Action on Countering Violent Extremism that Leads to Terrorism aims to involve both government and civil organisations in a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy. It appears as an advancement towards the construction of a gendered response to terrorism and extremist violence in South-East Asia.

Australia has spent the last 30 years deploying troops to the Middle East, while also overstretching its military by deploying troops within its own neighbourhood. Where to now for the Australian Defence Force?

Alexey Navalny’s return and subsequent imprisonment in Russia solidified his role as a leader of political opposition to Putin. The nationwide protests associated with calls to free Navalny exposed deep polarisation in the country, between societal groups pushing for and those opposed to political changes. 

“Never Trump” Republicans are hoping the inauguration of a Democratic president might spark a shift that brings “principled conservatism” back to the GOP. It is unlikely – their conservatism has been priming white working-class America for Trumpism for decades.

As Australia pursues its tariff dispute with China in the WTO this year, the United States and other Western nations will be challenging China on issues of forced technology transfer. The Biden administration’s policy may influence Australia’s course of action.

Tensions have been brewing between the East and West, expedited through mismanaged situations regarding political issues and sensitivities over the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst global tensions, it is no secret that Australia and China have not been seeing eye to eye.

In 2020, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia witnessed youths protesting against governmental measures that were imposed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are similarities in the motives behind these protests, primarily the longing for greater transparency and democratic practices.

Also discussed in this episode: Xi Jinping’s World Economic Forum speech and the Australia-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.